How To Remove Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and liven up your look with semi-permanent hair dye – good for you!

But, if it’s not quite the color you had in mind for yourself or if you’re just ready to switch things up again, don’t worry. Removing semi permanent hair dye isn’t as hard as it seems.

There are plenty of effective methods out there that can help make sure you get back to having beautiful locks without damaging your scalp or making a huge dent in your wallet.

We’e here to tell you six easy ways on how to remove semi permanent hair dye from home using items you probably already have in your kitchen!

What to Expect When Removing Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Semi-permanent dye is designed to be a short-term commitment, usually fading after 6–12 washes.

But, as with most things in life (and hair), the timing can vary depending on a few key factors.

Hair porosity, the intensity of the color, and how often you wash your hair all play a role in how quickly that color says goodbye.

If you’re not up for waiting it out, don’t worry—you’ve got options! Whether you’re dealing with a faded pastel or a bold color that overstayed its welcome, there are some easy ways to speed up the process.

How To Remove Semi Permanent Hair Dye.

Semi permanent hair dye is designed to fade away over time, but the process can be sped up if you want those rainbow colored locks gone faster.

Here we share six simple tips for ditching that stubborn hue as quickly as possible and getting back to feeling fabulous about your mane again!

Method #1: The Clarifying Shampoo Cleanse

If you want to get temporary hair color or semi permanent hair dye out of hair quickly and easily – without any harsh chemicals – then your best bet is to use a clarifying shampoo.

Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove build-up from your hair, which means that they’ll also strip away any unwanted hair color.

Expert Insights

“If it is truly semi permanent, expect it to gradually shampoo out in about 12 shampoos. You can speed it up by using a clarifying shampoo.”

Jo Welch, Director and Educator for licensed cosm

What to do:

While 12 washes might feel like a lot, the gentleness of this method is worth it. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Wet your hair thoroughly.
2. Use a generous amount of clarifying shampoo and work it into your hair, focusing on your scalp and any areas where the color is most stubborn.
3. Rinse, lather, repeat if needed.
4. Follow up with a deep conditioner to keep your hair soft and hydrated.

Pro tip: In a pinch, anti-dandruff shampoo works too!

Method #2: Baking Soda Solution

Baking soda isn’t just for baking or deodorizing your fridge—it’s also a great way to fade semi-permanent hair dye! This is an easy, affordable method, but keep in mind it can be drying.

What to do:

Here’s your DIY guide:

1. Mix equal parts baking soda and warm water into a paste.
2. Apply to damp hair, focusing on the colored areas.
3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
4. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to combat any dryness.

Remember not to overdo it—baking soda can be harsh if used too often.

Did you know: You can also try apple cider vinegar, lemon juice or vitamin C tablets with this method.

Method #3: Vitamin C Therapy

Vitamin C isn’t just for your immune system—it’s surprisingly effective at breaking down semi-permanent dye molecules, especially when mixed with anti-dandruff shampoo.

Expert Insights

“Vitamin C is a gentler method to help remove color and can even improve your hair’s texture.”

–Cosmetologist Stephanie Johnson

What to do:

To try it:

• Rinse thoroughly and condition well.
• Crush 5–6 Vitamin C tablets into a fine powder.
• Mix with a small amount of anti-dandruff shampoo to create a paste.
• Apply to your hair and let it sit for 30–60 minutes.

Method #4: Dish Soap Is Not Just For Dishes

Dish soap might sound odd, but it’s an effective way to gently strip away color if you’re in a bind. Dawn is a popular choice since it’s gentle but strong enough to tackle that unwanted dye.

What to do:

• To get started, mix some dish soap with warm water and massage it into your hair.
• Be sure to really lather it up and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow up with a nourishing, hydrating hair mask to replenish any lost moisture. Dish soap is pretty drying!

Method #5: Vinegar Rinse

Vinegar’s acidic nature can help break down the dye molecules in your hair, making it a surprisingly effective option for gently fading semi-permanent color. Its acidity works to lift the unwanted pigment without being too harsh on your strands.

What to do:

Here’s how to use it:

1. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair, ensuring it’s fully saturated.
3. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to work its magic.
4. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with a conditioner to keep your hair feeling soft.

Pro tip: Apple cider vinegar is a gentler alternative if you’re worried about your hair feeling too dry!

Salon-Grade Solutions: When It’s Time to Call in the Pros

Tried all the DIY tricks but still stuck with that stubborn color? Sometimes, at-home methods just aren’t enough. If you’re ready to bring out the big guns, professional treatments like salon-grade color removers or mild bleach washes can give you the fresh start you’re craving.

The Pros:

• Highly effective: Salon treatments are designed to lift color more thoroughly than what you can achieve at home.
• Customized care: A professional stylist can tailor the treatment to your hair’s specific needs, helping you avoid unnecessary damage.

The Cons:

• Costly: These treatments tend to be more expensive than your average DIY session.
• May require toning: After a bleach wash or color removal, you might need an additional toning treatment to get your hair back to the perfect shade.

If your DIY attempts haven’t done the trick, booking a salon appointment could be your best bet for achieving the color correction you’re after—just be sure to ask about aftercare, because healthy hair is the real goal!

“Use clarification shampoos, baking soda or dish soaps. In the salons we use what is called a soap cap. (Very not recommended at home) which is equal parts hair bleach, clarifing shampoo and developer. This will lighten the color but then we have to tone the hair after to get the correct color back into your hair.”

Lori Hartz, Salon Owner and Stylist

Will Removing Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Damage My Hair?

Unfortunately for hair color lovers, the short answer is yes. Removing hair dye, like any chemical process, can weaken your hair and leave it prone to breakage.

But the good news is, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage.

For starters, make sure you’re using a gentle and hydrating shampoo formulated for color-treated hair. These don’t contain any nasties like sulfates or parabens that can frazzle your already damaged hair.

Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to help repair any damage and keep your strands looking healthy and shiny.

And if you’re really committed to maintaining your hair health, try spacing out your dye jobs by a few weeks, or opt for a semi permanent color that won’t require as much upkeep.

With a few simple tweaks to your routine, you can keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy, no matter how often you switch up the shade.

Parting words

Semi-permanent dye is a great way to experiment with different shades without having to commit – but if it doesn’t work out how you wanted, don’t worry!

Whether you’re saying goodbye to that experimental hue or just ready for a fresh start, these tips have got you covered.

And remember, hair color is all about having fun—so don’t be afraid to try something new. You’ve totally got this!”

Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.

Our Research & Review Process

To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.

We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.

Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.

This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.

As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!